FreeCAD MCP Server
README.md
# FreeCAD MCP Server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants to interact with FreeCAD for 3D modeling and CAD operations.
## Features
- **Basic Geometry Creation**: Create boxes, cylinders, spheres with specified dimensions
- **Boolean Operations**: Perform union, cut, and common operations between objects
- **Document Management**: Save documents and list objects
- **Custom Script Execution**: Execute arbitrary Python scripts in FreeCAD context
- **Cross-Platform**: Supports Windows, macOS, and Linux
## Prerequisites
1. **FreeCAD Installation**: Install FreeCAD from [freecad.org](https://www.freecad.org/)
2. **Node.js**: Version 18 or higher
3. **TypeScript**: For development
## Installation
1. Clone this repository:
```bash
git clone https://github.com/lucygoodchild/freecad-mcp-server.git
cd freecad-mcp-server
```
2. Install dependencies:
```bash
npm install
```
3. Build the project:
```bash
npm run build
```
4. Configure FreeCAD path (if needed):
- The server attempts to auto-detect FreeCAD installation
- Default paths:
- Windows: `C:\Program Files\FreeCAD 0.21\bin\FreeCAD.exe`
- macOS: `/Applications/FreeCAD.app/Contents/MacOS/FreeCAD`
- Linux: `/usr/bin/freecad`
## Usage
### Running the Server
```bash
npm start
```
### Claude Desktop
Add the following to your MCP client configuration (~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"freecad-mcp-server": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/path/to/free-cad-mcp/build/index.js"]
}
}
}
Make sure to replace "/path/to/free-cad-mcp/build/index.js" with the actual path and to restart Claude once you have made the changes
### Available Tools
#### `create_box`
Create a rectangular box with specified dimensions.
```json
{
"name": "create_box",
"arguments": {
"length": 50,
"width": 30,
"height": 20,
"name": "MyBox"
}
}
```
#### `create_cylinder`
Create a cylinder with specified radius and height.
```json
{
"name": "create_cylinder",
"arguments": {
"radius": 10,
"height": 50,
"name": "MyCylinder"
}
}
```
#### `create_sphere`
Create a sphere with specified radius.
```json
{
"name": "create_sphere",
"arguments": {
"radius": 15,
"name": "MySphere"
}
}
```
#### `boolean_operation`
Perform boolean operations between two objects.
```json
{
"name": "boolean_operation",
"arguments": {
"operation": "union",
"object1": "Box",
"object2": "Cylinder",
"result_name": "Combined"
}
}
```
Operations: `union`, `cut`, `common`
#### `save_document`
Save the current FreeCAD document.
```json
{
"name": "save_document",
"arguments": {
"filename": "my_model.FCStd",
"path": "/path/to/save"
}
}
```
#### `list_objects`
List all objects in the current document.
```json
{
"name": "list_objects",
"arguments": {}
}
```
#### `execute_python_script`
Execute custom Python script in FreeCAD context.
```json
{
"name": "execute_python_script",
"arguments": {
"script": "box = doc.addObject('Part::Box', 'CustomBox')\nbox.Length = 100"
}
}
```
## Integration with AI Assistants
This server implements the Model Context Protocol, making it compatible with MCP-enabled AI assistants. The AI can:
1. **Generate 3D Models**: Create complex geometries by combining basic shapes
2. **Parametric Design**: Modify dimensions and parameters based on requirements
3. **Assembly Creation**: Build multi-part assemblies using boolean operations
4. **Design Automation**: Execute complex modeling workflows through scripting
### Example AI Interactions
- "Create a bearing housing with a 20mm inner diameter and 40mm outer diameter"
- "Make a threaded bolt with M6 threading, 50mm long"
- "Design a simple bracket to hold two 10mm rods 30mm apart"
## Development
### Project Structure
```
src/
index.ts # Main server implementation
build/ # Compiled JavaScript output
package.json # Dependencies and scripts
tsconfig.json # TypeScript configuration
```
### Building
```bash
npm run build
```
### Development Mode
```bash
npm run dev
```
## Troubleshooting
### FreeCAD Not Found
- Verify FreeCAD is installed and accessible from command line
- Update the `freecadPath` in the server constructor if needed
- Check that the FreeCAD executable has proper permissions
### Script Execution Errors
- Ensure FreeCAD Python environment has required modules
- Check script syntax - Python scripts are executed in FreeCAD's Python interpreter
- Use `list_objects` to verify object names before boolean operations
TDQS
B3.4/5.0
Scored across 7 tools
Disambiguation5/5
Each tool has a distinct purpose: creating primitives, boolean operations, scripting, listing, and saving. There is no overlap or ambiguity among them.
Naming Consistency4/5
Most tools follow a verb_noun snake_case pattern (e.g., create_box, list_objects). 'boolean_operation' deviates slightly but still uses snake_case and is descriptively clear.
Tool Count5/5
With 7 tools, the set is well-scoped for a basic FreeCAD interaction. It covers essential operations without being overwhelming or too sparse.
Completeness3/5
The set covers primitive creation, boolean operations, and scripting (which enables arbitrary functionality), but lacks common CAD operations like extrusion, editing, or transformation tools.
Maintenance
ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessNo issues